Malaysian Air Festival 2011

The event of the weekend was the Malaysian Air Festival 2011. I admit that local aviation is no way interesting, in fact revolves no wider than MAS' underachievement and AirAsia's fabulous (and dubious) performance.

But this was irresistable.

The festival was held in conjunction with the centennary celebration of the first landing on the soil of Malaya.

GP Kuller was the man, an Antoinette Monoplane was the machine, and Jalan Ampang race course, KL was the venue. That was a 100 years ago. The race course was wiped out entirely in 1998 to make space for the world's highest twin towers, Petronas KLCC.

So what's there at the event? Nothing that interesting to be told. I mean, not to me. Perhaps if I am a regular guy who studies at college instead of airport, it was interesting.

But since I'm already writing this and at the moment not so fond of Twitter, let me jot down a few things.

Tix were sold at RM10. I got mine for free. New Straits Times paper (yup, the physical paper only) generously invited its readers to collect free tix days prior to the event. So online readers, fret not. You can still watch the event pics and vids online too. Ha2

There was powered paragliding, aerobatics, formation, and static display. A paraglider had a bumpy ride. He tripped off his feet or so it seemed during take-off run. And bamm, caught on tape! Felt a bit pity tho, since people rushed to him holding cameras, not stretchers.

There was Sikorsky S-92 (N146UK), a big heli in a special colour scheme, "Legacy of Heroes". The paint scheme depicts the silhouettes of police, army, etc. It's brand new, built in 2011.

There's a booth for Peugeot. Hmm, I spoke to myself "What the heck is the Pugs doing in an airshow?" Out of the league, right? Yet I couldn't hesitate to take a look at the 508 and mamamia, I want one!

Few booths were set up in the terminal, which if not for the thought of free pens and notebooks, I wouldn't bother to visit.

All in all, it was fun, but far from a blast. Now looking forward to LIMA 2011. :)

Happy New Hijri Year

At the end of dusk today, I bade farewell to the year 1432H. Almost missed the year-end prayers if not for being awaken just before Maghrib. Alhamdulillah.

So, a new year was born. Resolution?

Nah, I don't have any. I'd just take the prayers as my wish for the year. Overall, to be a better guy.

That's all for the hope. Maybe I'll conjure up some more during the Gregorian new year 2012.

Moreover, for obvious reasons, the Hijri new year just comes and passes by barely noticed. I myself, despite hoping for a wider signification of it, can't deny. It's the way the world works. I mean, any company ever starts its financial year on 1 Muharam? Do tell me if there is.

Yet the most important point is to change ourselves. We need an impetus to do anything uphill. A new year is an impetus. It gives you hope that it's another 1 January/Muharam, a brand-new, and it's on you to turn it into anything good. Better, the past, good or bad, has faded away too with the mutual optimism we share with people around us.

As a mediocre boy, I need this even more.

Eid Adha 1432h

So I went home again a week after I did the first time. But this time it's for the raya celebration. It was a great occasion. I celebrated the eid adha this year at Mak's hometown. Authentic eh?

We had a busy and bloody morning. Seven cows were sacrificed and quite a few hundreds kilograms of meat were safely distributed to the eligible recipients, mostly the needy here. A portion was cooked straight away at the mosque where the cows were slaughtered. By noon, various dishes were warm ready for the villagers to feast on.

Meanwhile we family did our own way of feasting the fresh meat. The way to go was roasted. Plain roasted beef dipped in asan jawa sauce filled our draughty tummy that day.

All in all, it was enjoyable. Especially since the family could have a sit down together enjoying the celebration and of course, the delicacies. :)

I got a pic of the fallen cattle but I must stress I mean nothing vulgar from it.

And this post is posted a week after the eid. I guess I'm already at an advanced stage of procrastinating.

Home again 2

When I called home a week before the homecoming, I was told that the durians were aplenty in the orchards. That alone is enough to tempt me to go home outright. What more since my cousin said that the fruit would be eaten to none when I really reached home. Wrong. I came home to a fruit of durian in the kitchen. Well not really enough to fill my tummy yet a graced one as for the long last. Yummy. Truly the king of fruit.